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Michael McLaughlin Owen vows to “punish” disrespectful Danny O’Connor

It will be personal for Michael McLaughlin Owen [12(5)-1(0)-1] on Saturday night in Boston.

The Donegal welter defends his New England title and will look to add the Celtic Nations belt to his collection on the big Murphys Boxing show at the House of Blues.

McLaughlin will look to upset the against former world title hopeful Danny O’Connor [27(10)-3(1)] – and if this wasn’t motivation enough, the Cardonagh man has revealed that he is none too happy with his Irish-American foe.

The Inishowen fighter believes that he has been on the end of some disrespect from O’Connor, and is using this to fuel his fire ahead of the eight-round clash.

McLaughlin explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “it’s the biggest fight of my career and I’m the underdog.”

“If you talk to people, they think he will beat me and I hear he has been saying it will be an easy fight for him. Once I heard that I knew I wanted to punish him, and I’m going to, for disrespecting me.

“I don’t know him really well personally, only to say hello at the shows we’d be at, and I sparred him before my last fight. He is a nice fella but, until after the bell, I’m still pissed with him.”

While the Ulsterman harbours anger going into the bout, he is not planning to fight recklessly. McLaughlin described how “people are saying ‘oh go for him, his chin is weak’ only for the bad KO he got [v Gabe Bracero]. I’m not falling into that stuff, anyone can be knocked with the right punch. I’m there for the eight hard rounds.”

Hugely confident, McLaughlin predict that we will see the best ever version of himself on Saturday night. He outlined that “preparations have been great.”

“This is an exciting fight for me for sure, I’ve trained like hell for it, not going out with the lads enjoying myself like before. I’m in it to win it, not for the fun.”

“I truly believe in myself when I’m fit, and I am now, so I’m looking forward to Saturday night.”

Jamie Conlan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill for Episode 3 of The Irish Boxing Show:

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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